Terry wrote to the family on official club paper to express his "great sadness" over the death of Ryan.

Terry said it was "our privilege to play for fans like Ryan who are the life and soul of our club."

East Belfast came to a standstill last Friday for his funeral as the community gathered to support the devastated Ross family.

Terry expressed his sadness over Ryan's death (Photo: Harry Engels)

Dad Gary, 42, who works for George Best Belfast City Airport, said: "I just want to thank everyone who has shown their support to our family at this sad time.

"The loss of our son Ryan has touched the world and his favourite football team Chelsea sent this to letter to us."

Little Ryan Ross from the east of the city, passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Sunday after suffering two heart attacks.

Devastated dad Gary Ross holding a photograph of his son Ryan (Photo: BelfastLive)

His dad, Gary, 42, said he believed his son had fallen victim to a deadly infection that he could not fight, one that even the best doctors could not get on top of.

Ryan had been diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year and was put on a drugs and treatment trial that was due to last three years, and with a 90% success rate, Gary was hopeful everything would work out fine.